Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Connor Patrick Newman

Connor is an Hydrologist with the Colorado Water Science Center

Connor Newman uses hydrologic modeling tools and geochemistry to understand groundwater flow and the origin and fate of dissolved solutes

Education and Certifications

  • Master of Science, Geology, 2014. University of Nevada, Reno
       

  • Bachelor of Arts, Geology, 2011. University of Colorado, Boulder

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • Professional Geologist - Wyoming (PG-4139)

Science and Products

link
Yampa River and Steamboat Spring outflow

Data supporting management of thermal springs –Steamboat Springs, Colorado

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the city of Steamboat Springs and the Tread of Pioneers Museum, is undertaking a geologic, hydrologic, and geochemical study to better understand the sources of water to hot springs and the possible effects of land use change and human activities on the chemistry and sustainability of springs.
By
Colorado Water Science Center
link

Data supporting management of thermal springs –Steamboat Springs, Colorado

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the city of Steamboat Springs and the Tread of Pioneers Museum, is undertaking a geologic, hydrologic, and geochemical study to better understand the sources of water to hot springs and the possible effects of land use change and human activities on the chemistry and sustainability of springs.
Learn More
link
Streamflow measurement site on Fountain Creek near Manitou Springs, Colorado

Hydrology of an Artesian Aquifer near Manitou Springs, Colorado

The area surrounding Manitou Springs, Colorado is host to numerous bedrock springs, which help to support the local economy through tourist visitation. Although many springs previously flowed directly to the surface, most of the “springs” in the area are now more strictly classified as flowing artesian wells completed in the Manitou Formation, a cavernous intermixed limestone and dolomite, which...
By
Colorado Water Science Center
link

Hydrology of an Artesian Aquifer near Manitou Springs, Colorado

The area surrounding Manitou Springs, Colorado is host to numerous bedrock springs, which help to support the local economy through tourist visitation. Although many springs previously flowed directly to the surface, most of the “springs” in the area are now more strictly classified as flowing artesian wells completed in the Manitou Formation, a cavernous intermixed limestone and dolomite, which...
Learn More
link
Aquifer testing in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado

Hydrology of and potential for groundwater storage in the alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado

Hydrologic analysis of the alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley has been undertaken using synoptic streamflow and groundwater-level elevation measurements, aquifer tests, water-quality sampling and data analysis, and numerical groundwater-flow modeling. These datasets together provide an encompassing view of the interconnected water resources in the area and allow for quantitative...
By
Colorado Water Science Center
link

Hydrology of and potential for groundwater storage in the alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado

Hydrologic analysis of the alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley has been undertaken using synoptic streamflow and groundwater-level elevation measurements, aquifer tests, water-quality sampling and data analysis, and numerical groundwater-flow modeling. These datasets together provide an encompassing view of the interconnected water resources in the area and allow for quantitative...
Learn More

Water-level and well-discharge data related to aquifer testing in Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer, El Paso County, Colorado, 2019

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineering Center conducted short-term aquifer tests at 11 wells to estimate hydraulic properties in the Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer, in El Paso County, Colorado. Data were collected in July 2019 over three days. Single-hole pumping and recovery tests were completed at five wells, and multiple single-hole displacement
By
Colorado Water Science Center

Hydrologic and Geochemical Data and Models Supporting Integrated Evaluation of the Captain Jack Superfund Site, Boulder County, Colorado

The Captain Jack Superfund site near Ward, Colorado hosts extensive interconnected underground mine workings, which drain via the Big Five Adit. Drainage from the adit has historically been acidic with elevated concentrations of metals. In 2018 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) utilized a subsurface remediation strategy consisting of the installation of a hydraulic bulkhead within the
By
Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Colorado Water Science Center

Passive seismic (HVSR) data from Fountain Creek, CO

A total of 119 passive seismic soundings were collected with Tromino (MoHo s.r.l.) 3-axis seismometers in the Fountain Creek area to partially refine alluvial aquifer thickness (depth to bedrock) estimates, particularly over known or suspected paleochannels. Data were collected during June 21-24, 2021 with a team of 4-5 people, each equipped with a Tromino Blu or Tromino 3G passive seismometer.
By
New York Water Science Center

Water-level and pumping data, water-level models, and estimated hydraulic properties for the Paradox Valley alluvial aquifer in Montrose County, Colorado, 2013

Aquifer testing was conducted in the Paradox Valley alluvial aquifer in Montrose County, Colorado, including short-term (slug tests) and long-term (pumping tests) stresses on the hydrologic system to determine hydraulic properties of the aquifer. Slug tests were conducted at four wells in March 2013, with only one well producing data that could be interpreted using analytical solutions. In the oth
By
Colorado Water Science Center

Environmental-tracer modeling to support hydrogeochemical evaluation of the Fountain Creek Alluvial Aquifer, El Paso County, Colorado, 2018-2019

This data release contains environmental tracer concentrations, modeled recharge conditions (water temperature, excess air), and resulting estimated groundwater residence times. This dataset supports an integrated hydrogeochemical investigation of solute sources, groundwater recharge processes, and groundwater flow in the Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer. The data release contains five comma separ
By
Colorado Water Science Center

Water-level and well-discharge data related to aquifer testing in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado, 2019

Short-term aquifer tests were conducted to estimate hydraulic properties in an alluvial aquifer. Tests included eight single-hole pumping and recovery tests and three slug tests (in a single well). These investigations were conducted in the Wet Mountain Valley, in Custer and Fremont Counties, Colorado. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted aquifer tests in May, 2019. These aquifer tests info
By
Colorado Water Science Center

Assessing specific-capacity data and short-term aquifer testing to estimate hydraulic properties in alluvial aquifers of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA

Study Region: Rocky Mountains, United StatesStudy Focus: Groundwater-flow modeling requires estimates of hydraulic properties, namely hydraulic conductivity. Hydraulic conductivity values commonly vary over orders of magnitudes however and estimation may require extensive field campaigns applying slug or pumping tests. As an alternative, specific-capacity tests can be used to estimate hydraulic pr
By
Water Resources, Colorado Water Science Center

Using an unmanned aerial vehicle water sampler to gather data in a pit-lake mining environment to assess closure and monitoring

Residual pit lakes from mining are often dangerous to sample for water quality. Thus, pit lakes may be rarely (or never) sampled. This study developed new technology in which water-sampling devices, mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), were used to sample three pit lakes in Nevada, USA, during 1 week in 2017. Water-quality datasets from two of the three pit lakes on public lands, Dexter an
By
Water Resources, Colorado Water Science Center

Natural and anthropogenic geochemical tracers to investigate residence times and groundwater–surface-water interactions in an urban alluvial aquifer

A multi-component geochemical dataset was collected from groundwater and surface-water bodies associated with the urban Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer, Colorado, USA, to facilitate analysis of recharge sources, geochemical interactions, and groundwater-residence times. Results indicate that groundwater can be separated into three distinct geochemical zones based on location within the flow system
By
Water Resources, Colorado Water Science Center

NGWA Groundwater Modeling Advisory Panel Survey on the Use of Uncertainty Analysis in Groundwater Modeling

This white paper provides the results of a survey by members of the NGWA Groundwater Modeling Advisory Panel to assess the use of uncertainty analysis in groundwater modeling.The objective of the survey was to improve understanding of the use of uncertainty analysis in practical groundwater modeling projects subject to real-world constraints, such as limited budgets and tight deadlines.
By
Water Resources, Colorado Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Newman, C.P., Poulson, S.R., and Hanna, B.T., 2020, Regional isotopic investigation of evaporation and water-rock interaction in mine pit lakes in Nevada, USA, Journal of Geochemical Exploration, vol. 210, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2019.106445.
Newman, C.P., Poulson, S.R., and McCrea, K.W., 2019, Contaminant generation and transport from mine pit lake to perennial stream system: Multidisciplinary investigations at the Big Ledge Mine, Nevada, USA, Geochemistry, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemer.2019.125552.
Newman, C.P., 2019, A quantitative framework for comparing observed and simulated pit-lake geochemistry, Mine Water and the Environment, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-019-00634-0.
Newman, C.P., Gray, T.G., 2019, Statistical and geochemical analysis of arsenic mobilization and natural background associated with artificial groundwater recharge, Environmental Earth Sciences, vol. 78, no. 298, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-019-8300-6.
Newman, C.P., 2019, Variation in groundwater recharge and surface-water quality due to climatic extremes in semi-arid mountainous watersheds, Hydrogeology Journal, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 1627-1643, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-019-01967-4.
Newman, C.P., Cluff, T., Gray, T., and Beale, G., 2019, Aqueous geochemistry and limnology of the Sleeper pit lake, Nevada, USA: Evidence for long-term subaqueous solute generation in mine pit lakes, Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 64-81, https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2019.73004.
Newman, C.P., McCrea, K.W., Zimmerman, J., Burke, G., and Anderson, S., 2019, Geochemistry, mineralogy and acid-generating behavior of efflorescent sulfate salts in underground mines in Nevada, U.S.A., Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, DOI: 10.1144/geochem2018-074
Newman, C.P., 2018, Geoscience education and public outreach in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA, Rocky Mountain Geology, vol. 53, no. 1, DOI: 10.24872/rmgjournal.53.1.45.
Newman, C.P., 2017, Design and implementation of a geochemical and hydrologic database for Nevada mine sites, Journal of the Nevada Water Resources Association, Summer 2017, pp. 5-16, DOI: 10.22542/3.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Yampa River and Steamboat Spring outflow
link
Infrared image of Narcissus Spring outflow
link
Iron Spring outflow at Fountain Creek near Manitou Springs, CO
link
Streamflow measurement site on Fountain Creek near Manitou Springs, Colorado
link
North Taylor Creek in Wet Mountain Valley, CO
link
Aquifer testing in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado
link

Science and Products

  • Science
    link
    Yampa River and Steamboat Spring outflow

    Data supporting management of thermal springs –Steamboat Springs, Colorado

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the city of Steamboat Springs and the Tread of Pioneers Museum, is undertaking a geologic, hydrologic, and geochemical study to better understand the sources of water to hot springs and the possible effects of land use change and human activities on the chemistry and sustainability of springs.
    By
    Colorado Water Science Center
    link

    Data supporting management of thermal springs –Steamboat Springs, Colorado

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the city of Steamboat Springs and the Tread of Pioneers Museum, is undertaking a geologic, hydrologic, and geochemical study to better understand the sources of water to hot springs and the possible effects of land use change and human activities on the chemistry and sustainability of springs.
    Learn More
    link
    Streamflow measurement site on Fountain Creek near Manitou Springs, Colorado

    Hydrology of an Artesian Aquifer near Manitou Springs, Colorado

    The area surrounding Manitou Springs, Colorado is host to numerous bedrock springs, which help to support the local economy through tourist visitation. Although many springs previously flowed directly to the surface, most of the “springs” in the area are now more strictly classified as flowing artesian wells completed in the Manitou Formation, a cavernous intermixed limestone and dolomite, which...
    By
    Colorado Water Science Center
    link

    Hydrology of an Artesian Aquifer near Manitou Springs, Colorado

    The area surrounding Manitou Springs, Colorado is host to numerous bedrock springs, which help to support the local economy through tourist visitation. Although many springs previously flowed directly to the surface, most of the “springs” in the area are now more strictly classified as flowing artesian wells completed in the Manitou Formation, a cavernous intermixed limestone and dolomite, which...
    Learn More
    link
    Aquifer testing in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado

    Hydrology of and potential for groundwater storage in the alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado

    Hydrologic analysis of the alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley has been undertaken using synoptic streamflow and groundwater-level elevation measurements, aquifer tests, water-quality sampling and data analysis, and numerical groundwater-flow modeling. These datasets together provide an encompassing view of the interconnected water resources in the area and allow for quantitative...
    By
    Colorado Water Science Center
    link

    Hydrology of and potential for groundwater storage in the alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado

    Hydrologic analysis of the alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley has been undertaken using synoptic streamflow and groundwater-level elevation measurements, aquifer tests, water-quality sampling and data analysis, and numerical groundwater-flow modeling. These datasets together provide an encompassing view of the interconnected water resources in the area and allow for quantitative...
    Learn More
  • Data

    Water-level and well-discharge data related to aquifer testing in Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer, El Paso County, Colorado, 2019

    U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineering Center conducted short-term aquifer tests at 11 wells to estimate hydraulic properties in the Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer, in El Paso County, Colorado. Data were collected in July 2019 over three days. Single-hole pumping and recovery tests were completed at five wells, and multiple single-hole displacement
    By
    Colorado Water Science Center

    Hydrologic and Geochemical Data and Models Supporting Integrated Evaluation of the Captain Jack Superfund Site, Boulder County, Colorado

    The Captain Jack Superfund site near Ward, Colorado hosts extensive interconnected underground mine workings, which drain via the Big Five Adit. Drainage from the adit has historically been acidic with elevated concentrations of metals. In 2018 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) utilized a subsurface remediation strategy consisting of the installation of a hydraulic bulkhead within the
    By
    Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Colorado Water Science Center

    Passive seismic (HVSR) data from Fountain Creek, CO

    A total of 119 passive seismic soundings were collected with Tromino (MoHo s.r.l.) 3-axis seismometers in the Fountain Creek area to partially refine alluvial aquifer thickness (depth to bedrock) estimates, particularly over known or suspected paleochannels. Data were collected during June 21-24, 2021 with a team of 4-5 people, each equipped with a Tromino Blu or Tromino 3G passive seismometer.
    By
    New York Water Science Center

    Water-level and pumping data, water-level models, and estimated hydraulic properties for the Paradox Valley alluvial aquifer in Montrose County, Colorado, 2013

    Aquifer testing was conducted in the Paradox Valley alluvial aquifer in Montrose County, Colorado, including short-term (slug tests) and long-term (pumping tests) stresses on the hydrologic system to determine hydraulic properties of the aquifer. Slug tests were conducted at four wells in March 2013, with only one well producing data that could be interpreted using analytical solutions. In the oth
    By
    Colorado Water Science Center

    Environmental-tracer modeling to support hydrogeochemical evaluation of the Fountain Creek Alluvial Aquifer, El Paso County, Colorado, 2018-2019

    This data release contains environmental tracer concentrations, modeled recharge conditions (water temperature, excess air), and resulting estimated groundwater residence times. This dataset supports an integrated hydrogeochemical investigation of solute sources, groundwater recharge processes, and groundwater flow in the Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer. The data release contains five comma separ
    By
    Colorado Water Science Center

    Water-level and well-discharge data related to aquifer testing in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado, 2019

    Short-term aquifer tests were conducted to estimate hydraulic properties in an alluvial aquifer. Tests included eight single-hole pumping and recovery tests and three slug tests (in a single well). These investigations were conducted in the Wet Mountain Valley, in Custer and Fremont Counties, Colorado. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted aquifer tests in May, 2019. These aquifer tests info
    By
    Colorado Water Science Center
  • Publications

    Assessing specific-capacity data and short-term aquifer testing to estimate hydraulic properties in alluvial aquifers of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA

    Study Region: Rocky Mountains, United StatesStudy Focus: Groundwater-flow modeling requires estimates of hydraulic properties, namely hydraulic conductivity. Hydraulic conductivity values commonly vary over orders of magnitudes however and estimation may require extensive field campaigns applying slug or pumping tests. As an alternative, specific-capacity tests can be used to estimate hydraulic pr
    By
    Water Resources, Colorado Water Science Center

    Using an unmanned aerial vehicle water sampler to gather data in a pit-lake mining environment to assess closure and monitoring

    Residual pit lakes from mining are often dangerous to sample for water quality. Thus, pit lakes may be rarely (or never) sampled. This study developed new technology in which water-sampling devices, mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), were used to sample three pit lakes in Nevada, USA, during 1 week in 2017. Water-quality datasets from two of the three pit lakes on public lands, Dexter an
    By
    Water Resources, Colorado Water Science Center

    Natural and anthropogenic geochemical tracers to investigate residence times and groundwater–surface-water interactions in an urban alluvial aquifer

    A multi-component geochemical dataset was collected from groundwater and surface-water bodies associated with the urban Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer, Colorado, USA, to facilitate analysis of recharge sources, geochemical interactions, and groundwater-residence times. Results indicate that groundwater can be separated into three distinct geochemical zones based on location within the flow system
    By
    Water Resources, Colorado Water Science Center

    NGWA Groundwater Modeling Advisory Panel Survey on the Use of Uncertainty Analysis in Groundwater Modeling

    This white paper provides the results of a survey by members of the NGWA Groundwater Modeling Advisory Panel to assess the use of uncertainty analysis in groundwater modeling.The objective of the survey was to improve understanding of the use of uncertainty analysis in practical groundwater modeling projects subject to real-world constraints, such as limited budgets and tight deadlines.
    By
    Water Resources, Colorado Water Science Center

    Non-USGS Publications**

    Newman, C.P., Poulson, S.R., and Hanna, B.T., 2020, Regional isotopic investigation of evaporation and water-rock interaction in mine pit lakes in Nevada, USA, Journal of Geochemical Exploration, vol. 210, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2019.106445.
    Newman, C.P., Poulson, S.R., and McCrea, K.W., 2019, Contaminant generation and transport from mine pit lake to perennial stream system: Multidisciplinary investigations at the Big Ledge Mine, Nevada, USA, Geochemistry, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemer.2019.125552.
    Newman, C.P., 2019, A quantitative framework for comparing observed and simulated pit-lake geochemistry, Mine Water and the Environment, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-019-00634-0.
    Newman, C.P., Gray, T.G., 2019, Statistical and geochemical analysis of arsenic mobilization and natural background associated with artificial groundwater recharge, Environmental Earth Sciences, vol. 78, no. 298, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-019-8300-6.
    Newman, C.P., 2019, Variation in groundwater recharge and surface-water quality due to climatic extremes in semi-arid mountainous watersheds, Hydrogeology Journal, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 1627-1643, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-019-01967-4.
    Newman, C.P., Cluff, T., Gray, T., and Beale, G., 2019, Aqueous geochemistry and limnology of the Sleeper pit lake, Nevada, USA: Evidence for long-term subaqueous solute generation in mine pit lakes, Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 64-81, https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2019.73004.
    Newman, C.P., McCrea, K.W., Zimmerman, J., Burke, G., and Anderson, S., 2019, Geochemistry, mineralogy and acid-generating behavior of efflorescent sulfate salts in underground mines in Nevada, U.S.A., Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, DOI: 10.1144/geochem2018-074
    Newman, C.P., 2018, Geoscience education and public outreach in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA, Rocky Mountain Geology, vol. 53, no. 1, DOI: 10.24872/rmgjournal.53.1.45.
    Newman, C.P., 2017, Design and implementation of a geochemical and hydrologic database for Nevada mine sites, Journal of the Nevada Water Resources Association, Summer 2017, pp. 5-16, DOI: 10.22542/3.

    **Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

  • Multimedia
    Yampa River and Steamboat Spring outflow
    link
    Infrared image of Narcissus Spring outflow
    link
    Iron Spring outflow at Fountain Creek near Manitou Springs, CO
    link
    Streamflow measurement site on Fountain Creek near Manitou Springs, Colorado
    link
    North Taylor Creek in Wet Mountain Valley, CO
    link
    Aquifer testing in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado
    link

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government